Ranging from 1-5 cm in length, these small social groomers like to hang out in large groups (up to 100) under the coral reef ledges and overhangs of the Indo-Pacific.

Part of the decapod crustacean subphylum-- they are the Rhynchocinetes durbanensis, also known as the Hingebeak Durbanensis Shrimp.

Image credit: Fiona Ayerst

The derived family name of these shrimps (Rhynchocinetidae) means ‘movable beaks’--- indicating their beak like rostrum that can bend. This rostrum can also be used for attack or defense from predators if need be.

Image credit: Fiona Ayerst

Although their diet mainly consists of small crustaceans, fine algae and carrion – the Hingebeak Durbanensis are specifically known for their diligent cleaning habits and symbiotic relationships with various fish.

The Hingebeaks (along with other types of shrimp) have antennae, which have sensors on them that allow the animals to “smell”, “taste” and feel where they touch. Typically, long antennae help the shrimps orientate themselves regarding immediate surroundings-- while shorter antennae help judge what is and is not prey.

Lionfish

Mantis Shrimp (Image credit: Levi, Guinjata Dive Centre)

Solefish

Scorpionfish

There are some fish the Durbanensis do steer clear from-- such as lion fish, solefish, mantis shrimp, and scorpionfish (due to being the shrimps natural predators.)

Image credit: Kim Vu

The Hingebeaks “job” in the ocean is to reside at natural 'cleaning stations', to help keep rid of dead skin and parasites off of their “friends” while gaining nutritional value from the parasites. There was a rumor that sometimes they even take on humans as their clients... So on the next dive, I decided to see for myself.

After arriving at a dive site called Levi’s Ledge (with courtesy of Guinjata Bay Diving Centre) I was shown one of these 'cleaning stations' where the shrimps typically reside.

I completely emptied out all of the air in my BCD and laid on the ocean floor, right next to the overhang where the shrimps were. I noticed that the more movement I made, the more wary the shrimps were of my presence. I began to slow my breath much more than before (never holding my breath, of course - Scuba Diving 101) and lay as still as possible (given the surge and ocean currents).

Image credit: Fiona Ayerst

The first shrimp to climb on my hand had initially felt my fingers with her antennae for a few minutes to make sure I was a safe customer. Once one decided to climb on and begin cleaning my cuticles, the others slowly made their way on my hand as well. It was amazing to interact with these little ‘ocean maids’, and to feel their miniature claws, as they worked so hard at tearing away any dead skin.

Image credit: Fiona Ayerst

Image credit: Fiona Ayerst

With some patience, a few of us even dared to get our mouths “cleaned” as well.

Image credit: Cullen Welch, Matt Dobson

The video below created by Martin Totland, shows a Yellow-mouth Moray Eel's relationship with these shrimps at the 2:30 mark and again with one of our groups members interaction at the 2:50 mark.

Male Hingebeaks have much larger claws than the females, and most of the shrimp which cleaned our hands were in fact female. I realized this only when I spotted one with claws larger than his eyes.

Male Hingebeak to the right (Image credit: Fiona Ayerst)

The Hingebeaks eyes are some of the coolest I have ever encountered. Their eyes are located on the tips of two stalks coming from the head, with pupils appearing as if they are made of geometric shapes.

Image credit: Kim Vu

Most prawns, as well as the Hingebeaks, have panoramic vision and compound eyes-- which are very good at detecting any movement. The term 'compound eye' means that the eye itself contains thousands of individual receptors and a single image is broken up into a combination of inputs. Each input is located on a convex surface and points in a slightly different direction. Compared to our eyes, a shrimp’s eye can detect fast movement and possesses a very large angle of view.

Image credit: Kim Vu

Hope you enjoyed this post on these teeny ocean maids! Now go do some diving.

There is something about the ocean that leaves us all in a continuous state of awe. The waves consistently gliding over themselves onto shore - as if the ocean itself were attempting to spread its inner beauty hiding just beneath the surf. We tend to take notice, soak in the experience and attempt to share at least a piece of it with others. Through Oceans Campus, and Fiona Ayerst's Underwater Photography Internship, operating at Guinjata Dive Centre, Mozambique, I became aware of that inner beauty the ocean held. Beneath the blue blanket that covers 71 percent of our earth, there are beings many of us didn’t even know existed. The coral reefs, like cities, thrive with various communities. As interns, we became aware of the diverse species working together in a network, with so many scenarios yet to play out and be captured on camera.

A glimpse of each morning's sunrise.

Mozambique was an escape to paradise, a great opportunity to develop camaraderie and make lasting friendships, a 2-month long learning experience, as well as a chance to boost my abilities as an artist all wrapped up in one.

10 Lessons I Learned In Mozambique

A comfortable scuba diver.

1.) Scuba diving is a chance to explore a new world, and likewise a lifestyle that is easy to fall in love with. Scuba diving with wild animals in itself is an exhilarating encounter. Throw in an underwater camera and photographic experience… and presto-- you have before you an image you could only have dreamt to capture! By becoming more knowledgeable about scuba, you will be more relaxed in the water. Feeling more relaxed can lead to more dive time, in turn leading to further chances of obtaining that prize-winning shot.

Painting of Guinjata Bay coral reef map.

Take time to look at and study the reef models provided at the Dive Centre. This will allow you to become more familiar with where the animals you would most like to photograph reside. Becoming more comfortable with scuba diving is just as much a part of the underwater photography experience as the actual capturing of the photograph.

2.) Underwater Photography preparation is tedious—but worth it.From cleaning o-rings, checking the batteries in your strobes and camera, making sure that your memory card is loaded cleared for the next days’ use, to arranging the arms underwater for the perfect lighting. It is important to take time to carefully check and double-check EVERYTHING. The last thing you want is to be out in the water, ready to take that awesome shot, only to have your camera malfunction due to a simple mistake. Get to know your equipment and changing your settings. Spend time reading the manuals and practice using your camera on land. You don’t want to waste ANY time underwater figuring out what is what before the animal you dreamed of shooting swims away.

Study your subjects, read about them and observe natural behavior. It is intriguing and fun to learn about not only the animals you are viewing, but their behavior as well.

A cleaner wrasse cleaning the dead skin and parasites off of the nose of a potato bass.

Gaining knowledge about a particular animal’s behavior can greatly affect the resulting photo. An example would be when we learned about the natural “cleaning stations”, in which small shrimps and cleaner wrasse reside. These animals have a symbiotic relationship with much larger animals, and understanding this behavior led to more interesting photos.

4.) Adapt your “Renaissance Eyes”.This term is borrowed from Levi Fenton, an Instructor at the Dive Centre, who is a master at discovering the smallest of animals hidden from the passing eye. Essentially, it is like playing “Where Is Waldo?” except with nudibranches (tiny marine gastropod mollusks), porcelain crabs, seahorses and the like. Many animals use camouflage and hide themselves very well within the reef and beneath the sand, and I can guarantee, not all is what it seems!

A baby crab, found after hitchhiking on someone's wetsuit.

A small fish we discovered, only after noticing its open eyes while buried beneath the sand.

The curiosity of the turtle is what allowed a few of us to capture this photo.

5.) Stay calm, relax and let them come to you.Avoid the “predator approach”, which they will assume you are if you begin to chase any large or small animals you encounter. They can feel your excitement and swift movement, which can make them very wary and stay further away. Let their natural curiosity work for you and they may even be so intrigued as to come and circle you.

6.) Subjects on land are just as interesting.On land photography is great practice for the time spent in between lessons and diving. Remember - before obtaining photographs of local residents, it is important to ask the permission of those you encounter. You must keep cultural differences in mind, since in various cultures, some may believe that their soul can be taken when a photo is taken of them. Just be polite, ask, and if denied – find another interest!

A small bee, using its tongue to taste some leftover honey.

One of the local children posing during our Culture Tour.

Completed watercolor painting alongside the photo of a wandering crab.

7.) Get your creative juices flowing and visualize the dive beforehand.One of the most important lessons I learned was to visualize taking a photo before you even take the camera into the water. Talk to others about what you want your photos to look like, where you want the subject in the shot, and what kind of effect you’d like to achieve. As a studio artist, I began to paint the subjects I encountered. This made me become more aware of what position I should place myself in while taking the photograph, so as to not only obtain a great photo, but have my subject in a position that would be flattering to later paint. A friend of mine, and field-specialist, Shalini Tewari, recommended I begin putting the images next to each other, which led to a series called ‘Painted Images’.

Lynn and Zee swimming comfortably with the current.

8.) Work with nature and work with the currents.This is one of the most challenging things about underwater photography. When you begin to feel and take notice of which way the current is pulling you, you don’t exhaust yourself trying to constantly swim against them to get at your subject. Also, be cautious and aware of your surroundings – Steer clear of sea urchins and refrain from touching the reef or any animals.

9.) Keep an open mind.Enjoy the little things, don’t fret if the subject you wished to photograph is not available or in the area. Usually you will find something better and have that opportunity to take a shot you didn’t even expect.

A chance encounter with a shy cowfish.

Flat rock crab living in a tide pool.

Keep your eyes open and be willing to be flexible. It’s good to visualize and aim for a specific animal before diving, however, if it is too much of a struggle - you will be spending more time struggling and lose out on other great opportunities.

And last, but not least...

10.) Never pass up on fun and make photography part of it.Some of the best shots that were taken were during our “free time.”The point of photography, on land and on water, is to not only capture amazing experiences - however, to simply enjoy them as well.

Kyra is a recent graduate from Michigan State University, and currently a Freelance Studio Artist and Divemaster. Her artwork focuses on raising awareness and appreciation for all animals-specifically revolving around sharks and marine life. Many of her paintings, sculpture and photography focus on issues of overfishing, shark-finning, pollution, and the exploitation of marine life.

I've realized that every time I travel to an unfamiliar location, my perspective of the world warps and changes.

Africa, the Underwater Photography Internship led by Fiona Ayerst with the help of Shalini Tewari and Martin Totland, all of the people I've encountered on this internship, and just scuba diving in general has changed every previous plan I had lined up in my life. I soon began to realize that scuba diving isn't just a sport-- it's a lifestyle.

Arriving at Mozambique's Guinjata Dive Centre, shortly after obtaining my Open Water certification back in Michigan, I was immediately amazed at how connected I felt with nature and it's beings. I forgot how wonderful the ocean breeze felt, the soothing rise of the sand between your toes, and the sound of the waves forming a familiar lullaby when lying down to sleep at night. The exhilarating feeling is a wonder all on its own when it comes to being in close proximity with other wild beings in the water (from Whales, Bottlenose Dolphins, Sharks, Manta Rays to the smallest of Eels, Crabs, Shrimps and Seahorses.)

An example of such an encounter, with photo credit to James (Matt) Dobson, for capturing the very fortunate event of encountering a Humpback Whale while on our safety stop. The songs of these beings are so peaceful and beautiful, and can sometimes be so loud that you feel yourself shake with their bellows.

There are also so many things I realized that I just did not need, here in Mozambique and in life. Shoes and socks are unnecessary items and are a rarity when living on the beach. The same clothes from yesterday are acceptable to be worn days in a row and when the washer is out of commission (also to save on money), laundry is done by hand ourselves.Being away from familiar comforts also makes one appreciate the little things—such as hot showers, water, electricity and internet. There have been times where the power just did not work, the water did not run and the propane/gas was out (to give us hot water.)

Each night we must sleep under the protection of mosquito netting, since Malaria is a present concern here and can become a serious health hazard if left untreated. Other possible concerns would be snakes, such as Black Mambas and even a Python (which was spotted prior to our groups arrival in July)—however, all of us have been lucky enough not to encounter either!

Just living here in Mozambique for a month, diving, watching the sun rise and set every day has changed my whole life's course-- and I am beyond ecstatic about that. Every morning I feel so motivated to be in the ocean, observing its creatures and feeling the power of its currents and surges. Every day I feel like I’m learning and discovering new things that I never knew existed before-- even riding out to our dive spot of the day right before a dive has become such a freeing feeling. I was told that scuba diving would be a transformational experience and it truly has been.

From here on out I feel like I can only move forward-- which has led me to initiate my Dive Masters training and to the beginning of my continuous life journey in scuba diving.